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Are Power Conditioners Really Needed When Playing Out?

R

RonnyBaby

May 18, 2008
63
0
#1
I've been running a power conditioner for years but never once have I ever had any issues that makes me think it is necessary.
Now my rack is a bit crowded and I don't want to increase the size of it, so I wonder about removing the Pwr Cond. to open up a space as I want to add a wireless unit. Tired of the CORD-SYNDROME!! Any suggestions?

Also, any thoughts on rack mounted wireless units? Sam Ash recommended a wireless that would go in your pedal box... but I only see that for guitar and not bass. I play a 5-string and wonder if that wireless would keep up with the B string...
 
#3
I really think the power conditioners are meant to be on some other places, not the US, because you have good power conditions to begin with... Over here in México, that's just another story, it may not "clean" the power, but they help to avoid a catastrophe...
 
#5
what makes you think you need a rack mounted wireless?
I've been using a Samson airline bass wireless pedal for about 2 years now i swear by them its the only wireless kit I've had that has good range and doesn't destroy your tone

i say keep the conditioner and buy an airline for bass
 
#6
I've never used or needed a power conditioner in over 45 years of playing gigs. Use the money for a good power extension cord with some multiple outlets in case you're playing a gig without outlets near your bass amp.
 
#7
I picked up my furman used for $30 for the following reasons:
-Lights (that I've never had to use)

-The iMac-like simplicity of having only one cord to plug in when you arrive to the gig. I just set up the rack, plug in my cab, find an outlet within 15 feet of me (yes, it's that long) and you're good to go!

So, I use mine for nothing apart from making my life a little bit easier. I've never worried about actually needing it as a conditioner
 
#8
The better Furman models like the PLII-plus have the LED voltage meter on them and *I* find it very helpfull when setting up on gigs. My reasoning is this, I do everything from hauling all the gear to setting it all up and running sound from the stage. I don't have time to go around with a pair of voltage testors and check all the outlets that I am plugging into too see if they are working and providing proper voltage, the LED indicators help me notice if there is a problem instantly....which is very nice during the summer time when there is always a bunch of air conditioning units running and creating major voltage issues as well as noise on the circuits.
The PLII-plus also has noise filters that actually work and reduce or elimenate electrical noise going through the PA and my Bass rig.
I have one in my Bass rig setup and my processing rack for my PA (No, I don't run a furman on my power amps for my PA system). While playing I can quickly take a look at the LED voltage meters and make sure everything is too my liking.

Are they really needed?? I have no idea and that debate will go on as long as the under/over powering of a speaker will, all I know is for my needs I am satisfied with how they perform for me.
 
#11
This thread comes up every few weeks.

The audio professionals pretty much come in here and debunk them, a few others say they just like the convenience, then some guy comes in and talks about the "GODLY MONSTER POWER CONDITIONER" which has made his sound divine.
 
#12
RonnyBaby said:
I've been running a power conditioner for years but never once have I ever had any issues that makes me think it is necessary.
Now my rack is a bit crowded and I don't want to increase the size of it, so I wonder about removing the Pwr Cond. to open up a space as I want to add a wireless unit. Tired of the CORD-SYNDROME!! Any suggestions?

Also, any thoughts on rack mounted wireless units? Sam Ash recommended a wireless that would go in your pedal box... but I only see that for guitar and not bass. I play a 5-string and wonder if that wireless would keep up with the B string...
Click to expand...

I've one, and I did what you did- remove it for more space/or smaller rack. I've had no problems with power without it. On the wireless units, I cannot advise.
 
#13
Visirale said:
This thread comes up every few weeks.

The audio professionals pretty much come in here and debunk them, a few others say they just like the convenience, then some guy comes in and talks about the "GODLY MONSTER POWER CONDITIONER" which has made his sound divine.
Click to expand...

Where can I get this Godly Monster Power Conditioner? I've Googled but can't find any such company. I'm worried that without a power conditioner my head won't get enough voltage and I'll underpower my cabinets.

Also will it handle any ohmage problems?
 
#15
Hey thanks much guys!! I do appreciate all the input. I think for now, I will keep the conditioner in the rack and try that Samson wireless. I wanted the X2, but no room.

I just bought the Hartke KILO amp and it took THREE spaces! But it's worth it. The sound is luscious!



EDIT: actually I just looked into the Samson airline bass wireless and a few guys say that it is extremely noisy and I also found that it only comes with ONE channel and what do you do if you end up in a situation where another band member has the same channel? Not good. I really like the X2 cause it contains MULTIPLE channels, which makes it nice and easy to simply switch channels when needed. So now I'm back to the beginning OR buy a larger rack which I already have a six space... I really don't want a rack that TWO guys need to carry or dolly into anywhere!
 
#18
RonnyBaby said:
I've been running a power conditioner for years but never once have I ever had any issues that makes me think it is necessary.
Now my rack is a bit crowded and I don't want to increase the size of it, so I wonder about removing the Pwr Cond. to open up a space as I want to add a wireless unit. Tired of the CORD-SYNDROME!! Any suggestions?

Also, any thoughts on rack mounted wireless units? Sam Ash recommended a wireless that would go in your pedal box... but I only see that for guitar and not bass. I play a 5-string and wonder if that wireless would keep up with the B string...
Click to expand...

I'm right with you brother. I'm probably keeping my Furman around at this point for cable management. But, this is how I solved the expansion issue. I have a 4 space rack and I've got 2 preamps, an X2 rack mount unit and a Korg tuner all facing front. I have the Furman mounted in the rear of the rack and I have 1 ft. power connectors connecting all my rack gear to the furman "power strip".

I wish I had some great pictures to show you and if the thread survives, I might post some. But, I really think you'll get the picture with this post.

The light bar on the Furman now comes in handy as it illuminates the back of the cab where I really need the light anyway. I never needed it for the front of my rack, but because I have some connections going to a powered cab, I use the lights on the Furman to connect and disconnect during setup and tear down.

Granted not worth the money, but that's how I use it.

I've been looking at a Tripp Light Isobar 12 Ultra, because it take up less depth in the rack, but I'm not sure that it would offer me any additional value.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that us rack mount folks are tired of the multiple plug issue and we want something that allows us to create a combo-like solution an just plug-in one coard. (Forgive me, I'm excluding my pedal effects Brethren just for this point.)

So, if it where me, and I was starting over, I'd buy the cheapest rack mountable power strip and the short connectors and be done with it.

BTW, regarding you question on the wireless, I'm having very good results with my X2 XDR 95 unit. Sure, if you read up on this unit here you'll find that they use batteries in the transceiver, but how else will you be able to send the signal to the receiver?

This is all MHO & YMMV.
 
#19
My $50 Furman I bought 7 years ago does cut down on noise in my house and other places that are usually noisy. But a surge supressor with noise filtering does as good a job. Still, you have to admit that power conditioners look snazzy ;)
 
#20
I've had an amp blow up, only to come back with a power conditioner that shows that the plug was faulty.

Plus, I've been at gigs where the power had been flickering (storms, bad power, exposed cables being jarred, etc.), and the Monster step-power thing seemed to work well to prevent any dangerous "pops" or anything.
 

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